Medford council refers 2% transit‑lodging tax increase to November ballot, directs staff to draft sideboards

The Medford City Council voted Wednesday to refer a measure to the Nov. 2025 ballot that would allow the city's maximum transient lodging tax (TLT) rate to rise from 11% to 13% and directed staff to draft limits and conditions for any future increase. The referral won unanimous support from the eight councilors present. Council also approved a second motion directing staff to prepare sideboard language that would assume a 1% increase if voters approve the charter change, include a sunset and restrictions on using proceeds for a conference center or similar facilities, and study whether a district or differential TLT rate is feasible. Why it matters: Councilors said the change would enable the city to pursue a potential public–private redevelopment concept dubbed the Creekside Quarter, a large downtown proposal that could include a conference center, hotel, park and stadium. Supporters argued TLT is paid by visitors and therefore…